TOW #8- IRB #2: This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein

          My IRB, This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein, was a book written for people like me. Part 2 and part 3 of this book, which was the second half of my read went into many persuasive details. The Intro and part 1 laid out the problem while the rest laid out the solution. Although climate change and global warming is a major problem, it lacks the backing that a real movement needs. Many people believe that science will come up with a solution to our crisis but results can’t be predicted. Many think that the rich can help us, like Richard Branson, a billionaire who donated 3 billion towards the cause yet the money did nothing. And many believe that there isn’t a problem at all. This books purpose was to show that the only solution, the only viable solution, starts with us readers. I don’t think much of global warming and believe it to be not that big of a worry, but I have the wrong mindset. The only solution to this crisis that Klein lays out in this book is through the power of democracy. “Only mass social movements can save us now.” This book was meant to persuade bystanders to the issue, like me, to help fuel this crisis and change our capitalistic system that relies so heavily on coal and she did this well.

            A device that I would like to comment on was how Naomi Klein juxtaposed the global warming crisis to slavery. In the past part of the book, Klein writes, “While not equivalent, the dependency of the U.S. economy on slave labor—particularly in the Southern states—is certainly comparable to the modern global economy's reliance on fossil fuels” (456). I honestly thought this was a very bold move by Klein. Slavery is a very touchy topic, even today, so for Klein to compare it to this crisis is risky. Someone could take it the wrong way that would only demean her purpose. She is trying to convince people that this is a serious crisis and comparing it to slavery doesn’t seem to help that what so ever.

            This was a very interesting book and very well written. Although that last part with slavery kind of confused me a bit I thought the rest of the book was spot on.

(This picture comes from an article titled "10 Terrifying Before and After Photos That Will Silence Global Warming Deniers." I think that if my IRB had any pictures to go along with it, pictures like these would help)